Day: September 23, 2013

Fewer Americans plan to celebrate Halloween this year, according to a spending survey conducted by the National Retail Federation.

Nearly 158 million consumers will participate in Halloween activities this year, which is slightly less than the 170 million that bought costumes, decorations and candy for the autumn holiday in 2012, NRF data shows. Those celebrating the spooktacular event this year will also spend less on holiday-themed items, too. The average participant will spend $75.09 on decor, costumes candy and other items, which is down from the average $79.82 last year.

Overall, Halloween spending has increased by more than 50 percent since 2005, with a total spending expected to reach $6.9 billion in 2013.
“Still one of the most beloved and anticipated consumer holidays, Halloween will be far from a bust this year,” said Matthew Shay, NRF president and CEO, in a statement. “After a long summer, the arrival of fall will put millions of Americans in the spirit to partake in traditional and festive activities. Retailers recognize that when it comes to Halloween, consumers’ creativity abounds. We expect retailers to stock their shelves with unique costume ideas for adults, children and pets, a variety of candy options and never-seen-before home and yard decor.”

Nearly 44 percent of people plan to dress up in costumes for Halloween this year, and will spend a total of $2.6 billion on costumes, the survey said. Consumers will shell out $1.09 billion alone on children’s costumes.

Halloween fans will spend $2.08 billion candy, too.

Nearly one third of consumers will begin shopping for Halloween merchandise before the end of September, NRF data shows. But the majority – or 67 percent – will wait to shop during the month of October.

About a fourth of Halloween goers say that the state of the U.S. economy will impact their Halloween spending plans, which may be why fewer plan to spend on the holiday this year. Nine in 10 shoppers say they will spend less overall on Halloween than in previous years.

Photo by Elaine Litherland, Herald-Tribune staff.

For more shopping news in Southwest Florida, follow reporter Justine Griffin on Twitter and Facebook or email her at justine.griffin@heraldtribune.com. Read What’s In Store in print on Tuesdays.